A multivariate approach to risk assessment of environmentally occurring chemicals

A systematic methodology for risk assessment of environmental pollutants is outlined. The methodology, based on multivariate quantitative structure-activity modelling, consists of six consecutive steps which are reviewed and illustrated using two examples. The two examples discussed refer to polychlorinated dibenzofurans and halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons. The benefits of using this approach based on multivariate data analysis and statistical experimental design is discussed.